The Archdiocese of Malta will undergo the restoration and conservation works of 10 projects, together with the 17 already existing projects announced last year, with the total investment of €4 million, 80% of which are co-financed through European funds. These projects include structural restoration of churches, as well as the conservation of various works of art, amongst which there are two paintings of Francesco Zahra.

This was announced during a press conference in front of the Qrendi Parish Church, which was addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta Michael Pace Ross.

Parliamentary Secretary Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the Maltese and Gozitan churches have always been invaluable as they form part of the country’s cultural patrimony. He stated that the restoration works which will be carried out on the facade of Qrendi’s church will not solely improve the face of the church, but the locality as well. He explained that projects like these will strengthen our touristic product as they expose Malta’s rich historical cultural heritage.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that, through European funds, this investment in the tourism sector, especially now, is considered essential so we don’t just regenerate our economy, but also strengthen it.

Pace Ross, on behalf of the Foundation for the Cultural Patrimony of the Archdiocese of Malta, said that the investment in these 10 projects, adding up to €1.5 million, will continue strengthening our cultural heritage.

Together with the projects in these parishes, there will be the restoration of the facade of the Archbishop Palace in Valletta, which, through the request of Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, on various occasions such as the Notte Bianca will open its doors so that the public can appreciate the religious patrimony of our country and the identity it nurtures.